Am I my brother's keeper? Human Rights Conference

We have the great opportunity to live about 10 minutes from the United Nations here in Geneva. Until this time I have only been to see the outside as a tourist. In September, I was invited by the Worldwide Organization for Women, known as W.O.W., to the Human Rights Conference, 2011.

Last week, I took the bus to the U.N. and arrived for the afternoon sessions. It was quite the experience to take my official letter and then proceed to answer questions, and get my picture taken, all for my United Nations/Human Rights Conference badge.
After I got in, I found my way to a seat in the huge circular conference room and got my translating device on. It was quite moving to hear the different countries reporting on Human Rights violations around the world. A few countries expressed their opinion, on the definition of Human Rights that the council was asking their country to follow; their concerns centered on the fact that they had different cultures, religions and traditions, and therefore could not be asked to conform to the standards as defined in the Human Rights Declaration. So, when I got home, I reread the Human Rights Universal Declaration. It is pretty long, but below is the very beginning of the declaration.

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

Some of the things that these countries are condoning are contrary to the above statement and it was so utterly sad to hear the report of some of these violations and tragedies which many times caused disfiguration, imprisonment and death.

Today, I helped the Worldwide Organization for Women to prepare for panel discussions at the U.N. on gender issues. After several countries gave their statements, the W.O.W. organization made its plea to the Human Rights Council. This was offered by a young lady from BYU! It was a good day. What can I say?

I am really looking forward to the rest of the Human Rights Conference. I am grateful to hear experts speak, see the cultural difference of many, many countries close up and know that I can help, if only in a little way, because they are my brothers and sisters.

Oh the comfort of the familiar....

There are so many things that are different here, the languages, the streets, the roads, the buildings, TV, the signs, the bugs, the birds (fat), ferrets to see, sheep causing a traffic jam,trains to school, windows with rigged up screens in them, electrical plus, doors, washers and dryers, neighbors, Drs., dentist, laws...well about everything.

Two nights ago, I was looking out the window at about 11PM at night and saw my favorite constellation in the sky, Orion's Belt. It looked just like this picture, but it was turned on it's side. I was so excited. I called to Paul to look. I sat for a long time looking at the stars that make up this constellation. I felt like I was home. All of a sudden constancy and familiar things were there right in front of me.

I have never been so grateful to see Orion's Belt, as I am now. Thank you star friends for coming my way and appearing in full mastery in perfect view of my window. It was the perfect gift to this woman so far away from all she knew familiar.

A wonderful 2 weeks!

The last two weeks have been wonderful, as we have had my sister, Mary Lynne, her daughter, Caroline and grandson, Reed, here for a visit. They started off their vacation in Germany and then we welcomed them to Switzerland for two weeks.













We have seen so many wonderful castles, alpine fields, quaint villages and tasted our way through great cheeses and chocolate. We traveled by train a few of the days and enjoyed the transportation by boat taxi as well.

Hiking high up in the mountains and bicycling along the lake made great family memories for us. Our little family enjoyed every moment of having them visit and were very sorry to see them leave. We bid a farewell at the Gare (train station) as they left for their last week in Europe visiting Paris, Chantilly and Normandy. Oh how we miss them!!!!

Gelato Mania

Recently we have made the excuse to take the train to Geneva for quick walks to Paquis and Gelato Mania! Can we help it that every weekend or free evening it has been really hot here? YUM!